The Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP)

The Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP) was an international effort launched in 1974 to eliminate onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, caused by a parasitic worm transmitted through blackfly bites. The program primarily used large-scale aerial spraying of insecticides to reduce blackfly populations, breaking the disease’s transmission cycle in affected African regions. It also promoted community health education and treatment with the drug ivermectin. Over time, OCP significantly decreased cases and transmission, paving the way for ongoing control and eventual elimination of the disease in many areas.